Grading the Lakers: A, B or C?

How well have the Lakers fared one-third of the way through the lockout-shortened season? We grade each player after 24 games. TEXT BY JANIS CARR, GETTY IMAGES

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Andrew Bynum: A- The Lakers center is having an All-Star season with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks a game. There are moments, though, when he fails to be aggressive enough to break through the double teams. PHOTO BY KEVIN SULLIVAN, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Kobe Bryant: A+ What bad wrist? The Lakers star leads the league in scoring at 29.4 points a game despite still-healing torn ligaments in his right wrist. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Pau Gasol: B Gasol has struggled at times at the high post and has let his feelings be known with his "not enough touches" complaints. He could be better, he could be worse. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Derek Fisher: B- Fisher's points and minutes have dropped this season, but the 37-year-old guard still can produce key shots when needed. His ability to shoot in the clutch earns him high marks. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Andrew Goudelock: A The Lakers rookie is making a name for himself -- mini-Mamba -- for his aggressive play and willingness to shoot his floater. In 16 games, he is averaging 4.6 points and is shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line. PHOTO BY KEVIN SULLIVAN, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Matt Barnes: B Barnes is back on the bench after battling for a starting role, but that hasn't slowed his play. He continues to be a strong presence on the court, averaging 7 points and 4.5 rebounds. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Josh McRoberts: B McRoberts got high praise for his tough, gritty play early on. Lately, however, he has found himself on the bench (doghouse?) for longer periods. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Metta World Peace: C+ World Peace was failing in his role as the sixth man, but has improved drastically since returning to the starting lineup. TEXT BY JANIS CARR, GETTY IMAGES

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Devin Ebanks: C- After a promising start to the season, Ebanks finds himself back on the bench averaging less than 10 minutes a game. Hard to improve sitting down. PHOTO BY KEVIN SULLIVAN, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Jason Kapono: D Kapono was brought in for his abiltiy to shoot the 3-pointer but hasn't done much in that department. Plus, his defense is not up to par. TEXT BY JANIS CARR, GETTY IMAGES

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Troy Murphy:B Murphy has moved ahead of Josh McRoberts in the rotation and for good reason. His ability to spread the floor around Andrew Bynum and work the pick-and-roll has proven valuable. TEXT BY JANIS CARR, GETTY IMAGES

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Steve Blake: B Blake was having an impressive start to the season as Derek Fisher's back-up before a rib injury derailed his season. Now, he could find himself playing behind rookie Andrew Goudelock when he comes back. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Luke Walton: D His bad back flares up on ocassion and has appeared in just six games. But he has managed to deliver a rebound or bucket here and there -- but not enough to earn high marks. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Darius Morris: C The rookie has appeared in 10 games and shown signs of moving up the learning curve. PHOTO BY ROSE PALMISANO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Derrick Caracter: N/A Caracter has not played a single minute this season for the Lakers because of a knee injury. He currently is playing for the D-Fenders. PHOTO BY KEVIN SULLIVAN, TEXT BY JANIS CARR/OC REGISTER

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Mike Brown: B- Brown has gotten the Lakers to buy into his defense-first mentality, but they have suffered fourth-quarter breakdowns too many times this season that hurt his grade. Offensively, the Lakers are showing signs of improving, though. TEXT BY JANIS CARR, GETTY IMAGES

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